Students are like the plants in my garden, they constantly need attention in order for them to bloom into beautiful flowers.  Every so often a weed will show up that needs attention but everything in there needs my assistance to grow. Like my students, I need to grow as well.  I believe, as an Industrial Arts Instructor, I have determined the 3 areas that can help me grow in my current garden. The areas are:

 

• Curriculum

• Technology

• Pedagogy

 

     There are 3 long term goals as an Industrial Arts Instructor that align with my topics.  They will help me grow as an educator and these goals will continue to grow as I do. These goals are:

 

• Grow my current knowledge of the Industrial Arts

• Explore Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining in depth

• Build a sustainable tilapia farm with the students

 

     In order for me to teach students the basics, I need to know the depths of the basics and how to accomplish a task 3 different ways.  I need to show the students the different methods to complete a task in the shop showing them there isn’t only one way to complete a task, to make them think of different ways to complete a task.  

Growing my Current Knowledge of the Industrial Arts

 

     It is my job to create a foundation for my students to grow on.  As Freshmen, students gain the theories and principles of engineering, manufacturing, and construction.  Then as Sophomores and Juniors, the students learn how to utilize ‘old’ technology. They learn to use the tools this country was built on.  Finally, as Juniors and Seniors, the students learn the newer tools in the industry. Doing this gives the students the respect of the old ways and different ways to complete a task.  I recently came across an article written by Susan Kristoff from Sciencing.com that talks about the different ways to use a torch.  By reading articles like this, I am growing as an educator and growing closer to my goal.  These old techniques lead to future techniques, techniques like Computer Numerical Control.

 

Exploring CNC Machining in Depth

 

     It is also my job to ensure that my students are                                                   properly prepared for the industry once graduated from                                            high school.  One of my future goals is to explore future                                    technology in depth. This goes hand in hand with my                                             ultimate goal of preparing students for the industry and                                       making sure they are prominent members of society.                                        According to Tormach, they build the machines for the                                        industry, that is why I want to teach my students how to                                         operate these machines.  I believe one way for me to                                                prepare them for the industry is to prepare them for                                                    what they will see in the industry, and that is CNC                                               machining.  With a new CNC Mill and Lathe in my current school, I can learn alongside the students to help them prepare for what is next for them. CNC Machining is a great example of hands-on learning; another example of hands-on learning takes me to my 3rd long term goal.

 

Building a Sustainable Tilapia Farm with my Students

 

     My background is in sustainable and renewable energy.                                                  I am currently looking for a hands-on project that can be                                             kept with the students as they move from underclassman                                               to seniors and for future generations of students.  This                                                  will not only help me with my engineering classes but all                                                 my classes as well. According to the                                                                           Maryland Sea Grant College, building a farm like this will                                      integrate science, technology, and engineering along with                                              the hands-on work of multiple students.  Once the farm                                                    is built, it will need to be kept up, parts replaced and                                                further studies done of previous work. I feel the best way                                                  to learn is to physically learn and through this project, I                                                 can accomplish my goal.  Through the integration of technology, I can have multiple classes work hand in hand with other students via a video log of what was done and what needs to be done.  

 

     I honestly believe that if I continuously strive for these goals, I will become a better educator in my position.  Like me, these goals will change and grow as well. As technology advances, so will my goals. As mentioned above, these are long term goals, goals that will take me a career to master, I have already started and am motivated to see what is next.